Last Updated on April 26, 2017
Why do you have algae in your swimming pool? The truth of the matter is that there are several different things that can cause it. There are even different types of algae, with the most common being that familiar green foamy substance that turns your water green. However, you can also find deposits of different colors, which often denote the type of algae that is present. More importantly, you need to know how to treat it so that you can swim safely without having to worry about any potential health consequences that occur as a direct result of having algae in the water.
First and foremost, it is important to know why it occurs. Typically, it happens as the direct result of improper chemical management in the swimming pool, along with some environmental factors. When it is hot outside and there is a lot of sunshine, algae is more prone to growth. Therefore, you can expect it to occur as temperatures skyrocket during the summer months. If the pool is a freshwater pool that is maintained with chemicals and it is being properly maintained, you will not see any growth of algae whatsoever. If it is occurring, it is because the pool is not being properly maintained. You can correct the situation by taking a water sample and having it tested and then using the proper chemicals to kill the algae growth and make the water safe again.
It is also important to note that some swimming pools, such as those that use salt water, do not need chemicals in order to remain free from algae and other potential health issues. It is the salt that essentially acts as a cleansing agent and as long as it is filtered properly throughout the pool, there should not be an issue. If there is, something significant is going on and it has to be corrected.
What are the potential health concerns associated with significant algae growth? It can make people and animals sick if it is ingested, either intentionally or accidentally. Therefore, it is a good idea to avoid swimming in water that has a great deal of algae growth. If there are any problems with the chlorination of the water, it is better to wait until those problems have been properly addressed and the water has had time to become free from organisms as opposed to risking the chance that there could be a health issue created as a result of swimming in water that has not been properly chlorinated.
Because each situation is different, is important to follow the directions on the products that you have purchased for your swimming pool in order to remedy the problem. If the problem still exists, go ahead and take a sample of the water in and have it analyzed. Experts will then be able to tell you exactly what you are doing wrong and what needs to be corrected in order for the problem to correct itself. If you have doubts about the safety of the water, go ahead and keep everyone out of it for an extra week or two until the problem has subsided and you are certain that there are no lingering issues.
